Hey Ladies! Happy New Year BTW!!! I hope 2018 brings you joy and goal-achieving happiness! I wanted to discuss winter- spring transition dresses so that when valentines day comes around you have date night outfit ideas! Also some of y’all live in southern states and spring starts super early down here. So let’s get started!

Suede is Your New Bestie

Suede is perfect to keep you warm during windchill, but lightweight enough to not make you sweat a puddle LOL!! This light brown suede dress is from Firefly Boutique in north Charlotte!

The Little Black Dress that Could

This thin, knee length cable knit dress from Parker and Madison is perfect for chilly March nights, and those odd warm February days. It’s super comfortable too! Shoes are from Charlotte Russe, they give the outfit a pop of 90s flare 🙂

Winter- Spring Transition Skirt Combo

Now I know this isn’t a dress per se, but the key to pulling off skirts in the awkward, winter/spring days is a long sleeve shirt to balance it! I paired my zip up jean skirt with a bell sleeve top from Mainstream Boutique in Charlotte!

Loving my lashes? Check out my latest blog post about how to get yours done here!

If you guys have any other ideas for winter-spring transition dresses let me know in the comment section!!

Hi ladies!! I hope you all are enjoying the BEAUTIFUL foliage in NC this November. Now that we are all done with Halloween it’s time to start thinking about our Thanksgiving slay. One thing I love about Thanksgiving is the MAJOR amounts of uber, delicious food. However, eating that much in one sitting is a quick way to a 3 month pregnant looking tummy LOL! If you ladies are anything like me, you love to kill the fashion game at any event. So if you’re ready to eat good and look good at the same time, read on!

Hola ladies! I know, I know it’s been a while! Ugh, I just was in a funk and was trying to lose weight and didn’t feel confident in myself. With that being said, I’ve cut some ties (boys), and I am feeling refreshed again, and I promise to not go missing again. 🙂 Okay, let’s get into those tough, hot, fall days.

When Summer Won’t Let Fall be Great

I live in Charlotte, NC and it is still 80 degrees during the day. So, all the cute fall jackets are not an option for us ladies down south yet haha! When you’re feeling like you want to dress autumny but don’t want to suffer in the heat, I have the solution! Maxi and midi dresses will be your saving grace during this period. You can work the autumn colors (rust, maroon, forest green, navy, mustard, dark gray) and still not be sweating an insane amount.

Other Options for Hot, Fall Days

If you’re not a fan of maxi dresses, you can rock a cute, light-weight sweater with shorts and thigh high boots! This lets your body breathe, and still lets you rock those fall trends. Dresses with short lengths and long sleeves can work too! Pairing a rust orange long sleeve, short dress with some ultra cute booties will do the job as well!

If you’re looking for some chic earrings to wear with your outfits check out my most recent post here. You won’t regret it 😉

Okay y’all that’s it! If you have some great ideas too, feel free to comment them below!

Hi ladies! I hope you all had a wonderful week, I know I did! I know you all have probably seen earrings in boutiques that have an optical illusion. Optical illusion earrings are when the earring may seem to be floating or as though they are piercing through two parts of the ear.

The Perfect Optical Illusion Earrings

In searching for the perfect pair of optical illusion earrings I came across a company called Dante Perozzi Jewelry! When reading her about section on her website, I absolutely fell in love with her entire concept! So we’ve partnered up to give you 20% off of a $50 purchase or more on the entire store using the code “ALAYAMEMOIRS”. Dante Perozzi gets her inspiration from personal metaphors found in urban areas and from the language of architecture. In 2017 she founded her curvation collection and the Cupola Dangles I’m showcasing today were born. When styling optical illusion earrings, choose an outfit that won’t clash with the statement of the earrings! Neutral colored patterns or solid trendy colors will work best.

About These Dante Perozzi Earrings

They are so simple, yet elegant and give the optical illusion that they are floating across your ear lobe. They have three different metal choices (brass, gold-plated brass, or sterling silver). You can also choose to add ruby, black spinal, or white sapphire to the earrings. I usually break out from bad quality metal and my ears have been in complete bliss with these earrings! They are made in L.A. and can be customized upon request! I’m so glad I’ve found a company that loves to give back and makes high quality items. Dante Perozzi Jewelry is a keeper 🙂

If you guys have any examples of optical illusion earrings that you own feel free to describe them below! Check out my post about mid-summer outfits to see what to pair these with!

Hello ladies! I missed you all so much. I just had my first photoshoot! I researched out the wazoo about everything I needed to know. I found so many helpful tips, and I also learned so much during the photoshoot as well. I am pleased to share it with you all to potentially help you too!

1. Research Different Photoshoot Poses

Pinterest is your best friend when it comes to looking up different poses to use. I found so many cute and chic poses that I felt prepared when my photographer asked me to change my pose.

2. Mentally Prepare Yourself for Bystanders

If you’re taking professional photos outside of your home, be prepared for people to stare at your photoshoot. People love to be nosey, it’s in our nature, so just accept that it’s going to happen. Before your first photoshoot tell yourself that you look gorgeous and they’re staring because of that. Even if that isn’t why they’re staring, you just have to believe that’s why they are.

3. Pick Out an Outfit that Flatters You

Everyone and their mama knows that the camera adds ten pounds, so make sure that you pick out an outfit that accentuates your best features. Whatever body type you have, google what fits of clothing look best your figure!

4. Have Fun on Your First Photoshoot

Your pictures will turn out much better if you have fun and keep it light-hearted! Your photographer will thank you for it later. Take a peek of my first photoshoot below!!

I just got back from my summer vacation with my family and it was so much fun!! As you all know I love fashion and I planned out my beach outfits weeks before just to make sure I looked my best! I have listed for you what I’ve witnessed in the summer thus far as the most fashion forward trends! Some of them are pics of me and others are just examples 🙂 Okay let’s get started.

1. Summer Hair Chains

I got this gorgeous hair chain from Forever 21 and I had so many complements on it!! I felt like an ocean princess in it I’m not going to lie 🙂 In this picture I was in Turks and Caicos and the water was absolutely perfect.

2. Embroidered Flowy Swimsuit Coverup

I just love the embroidered look so much. It is a staple this summer and is a must have for every summer vacation. I was on Half Moon Cay of the Bahamas and there were horses so of course I had to say hello! This cover up is also from Forever 21!

3. Graphic One Piece Swimsuits

This trend is one of my faves! I love that one pieces are making a come back because you don’t have to show as much skin and still feel sexy! The best graphics are ones that are humorous or make you feel super girly! This cute one piece is from the Fashion Bible!

4. Pink Mirrored Sunglasses

Pink is the color of the season for me! With that being said I’ve noticed a lot of fashionistas rocking pink mirrored sunglasses, especially cat-eyed ones. I personally have many pink mirrored sunglasses this summer vacation because I am a pink fanatic! These bad boys are from Kara & Kate.

5. Summer Vacation Side Slit Maxi Dress

The slide slit maxi dress is such an integral part of your wardrobe this summer vacation, an gives off an exotic vibe! I was going for a simple yet intriguing look when I wore this strapless, side slit maxi dress to my formal dinner on my Carnival cruise. I received many complements on it, and I got it for $30 🙂 Forever 21 you rock!

I hope this helps you on your mid-summer shopping trips to look your best and maybe even give you some new ideas! If you want some cute summer outfit ideas check out my ideas here! Comment below what’s your favorite!!

So as you all know I’ve been a blogger for a total of 5 months now… woah. I feel like just yesterday I was trying to figure out my website (still am) and so nervous to begin! I was blogging alone for a few months until I discovered the amazing website called Style Collective. I cannot begin to tell you how happy I was to finally find a community of fashion bloggers that went above and beyond to help each other grow. Through joining the community, I’ve met a plethora of amazing fashionistas that I’m now great friends with. The creator of the site, Annie, launched a podcast and I volunteered to be a regional leader for Charlotte to plan the celebration event. We all worked hard to make sure all the things were in line and make sure everyone who was invited knew exactly where to go!

The Vivace Experience

Then we figured out the place that we would hold the event and I was so happy to find out that it would be at Vivace in uptown. I had never been there, but people had raved about their food before so I was pumped. When the event started they placed us outside under the string lit umbrellas in the corner! Vivace knew exactly where to place us just in case we created too much commotion. Also the skyline of Charlotte is right behind the restaurant! We took SO many photos because why not?! Needless to say, it was the perfect place for fashionistas to gather and uplift one another. Eben did a fantastic job shooting us and here some of the pictures she took so you guys can see all the fun!

Good Food Makes Us Happy

So as you can tell the food was absolutely delicious! What Chef Caputo served us was so incredible and here are the deets:

This event was just the cherry on top of a great five months of blogging and learning as much as I can. I’ve gotten such great feedback from you ladies and I can’t wait to continue giving you your weekly dose of fashion, girly needs. Until next time my fashionistas 🙂

So you’re a senior in college and you’ve just graduated with a degree in fashion merchandising and have no clue where to begin **cough THAT WAS ME cough**. You have an older cousin who is a successful fashion buyer for Ross but she’s busy living her life, and your friends aren’t interested in fashion. Where do you look and how do you actually get the job you’re being interviewed for? To all my fashionistas out there who are freaking out, I’m here to save the day. If you follow my tips below, trust and believe you’ll get that position in the fashion industry!!

Utilize Your School’s Career Center

There are so many alumni at your school I can 100% guarantee that you can be connected with someone who is already successful in the section of the fashion industry you want! Make sure that when you’re finally connected with an alumni that you prove to them that you’re worthy of their time and effort. Always be punctual. The career center may have job openings that you can apply to as well!

Use Social Media to Your Advantage

There is absolutely no excuse for you not to know everything about the position you’re applying for. Do your research. On top of that reach out to people in the industry on social media and show them that you’re worthy of their time. I’ve heard that countless hiring managers will give internships to people they’ve met and talked to online.

Do Something Unique to Put on Your Resume

People love uniqueness. Think of something that you can do to set yourself apart from your competition, for example, make clothes for the poor or tutor a school aged girl in fashion! It’s very important to have these unique things so that you can be amazing off AND on paper!

Stop Being Afraid to Network

Ladies, you need to network! That is the ultimate way to make it in this industry. It’s who you know, and whether you like it or not that’s the way to go. DM your favorite fashion bloggers and ask for an informational interview, or ask one of your local shops who they know in the industry. Being sweet & polite goes a long way with people. Make sure that you’re organized and have questions prepared, it shows your passion.

Travel to New Cities

Take a day trip to Chicago or another city near you and talk to managers in all the small stores you see! Ask them how they got there and if they have any tips to be successful in the industry. You’ll be surprised what people know, and you’ll have a new contact in your contact list! Put yourself out there and show them that you’re confident in the skills you possess! Who knows, maybe one of them will know of a job opening that’s not on the internet that’d you be perfect for!

Dress to Impress

Extra Petite

Image is everything! Oh my goodness I cannot stress this enough. Invest in yourself. Make sure you’re consistently up to date with trends and always be yourself in your outfits! The fashion industry is relies heavily on image. Just think, if the hiring manager saw you and LOVED your blazer, she’ll think of it later on which means you’re one step closer to getting that job!

Go Above & Beyond for the Fashion Industry

Send out thank you letters or emails that truly embody who you are as a person and why they have to have you on their team. Arrive 15 minutes early, and be super friendly to each person you meet, even if they’re your competition! Complement each employee you happen to meet and show them that they’d love to work with you. By going above and beyond your competition you’ll land that job in the fashion industry for sure and as a result you’ll be able to help others do the same.

You are now set up for success, if any of you guys have questions or want me to help with cover letters and resumes, leave a comment or email me!

Memorial Day is such a great day to celebrate the men and women who bravely fight for us every day, and it’s also a great time to pull out your best cookout looks. Fashion is everywhere, and if you want to honor the people who protect this country the best way you know how, read below for some fashion inspiration!

1. The Flowy Maxi Dress

Maxi dresses are a staple at cookouts, they make you look ethereal and show that you are laid back. You can pair it with some cute chunky heels and you’re set for your cookout. These dresses from Boho State are perfect for a memorial day cookout look.

2. The Cute Statement Romper

I just love a romper because it gives you the freedom to move around a lot, but you don’t have to worry about adjusting yourself constantly. This blue romper from Daily Chic is just too cute for words!

3. The High Waisted Shorts & Knot Crop Top

This look is definitely for the lady who will play volley ball, and all the sports during a cookout! It is layered for when it gets cold and you can take off the cardi when it’s too hot! You can find cute knot crop tops at Forever 21 for cheap!

4. The Maxi Skirt & Pretty Necklace

I love the versatility of a maxi skirt. Not only can you wear it to a cookout but you can wear it so many other places too. To accent the skirt, I know a pretty simple necklace will do just the trick. This olive maxi skirt from Lulu’s is sure to make a statement as soon as you arrive to your memorial day cookout.

5. The Memorial Day Sundress

I think wearing a beautiful flowy sundress to a cookout is super cliche, but I don’t think it should be forgotten. I completely condone doing what everyone expects, but just surprise them a little when you wear a fashion forward piece of jewelry or a super cute purse. However, this sun dress from Chic Bon is so cute on it’s own too!

7. The Matching Set & Big Sun Hat

I love love love a matching set for a cookout! Memorial Day is filled with fun activities and I’m sure you’d want to join in but still look chic! My favorite look for a cookout is a big sun hat from Luxury Divas and a this matching set from Cupshe.

7. The White Jeans & Embroidered Top

This final look would go perfect with a bright lip and cute wedges! I’m such a big fan of embroidered tops, I have way too many! This grey embroidered top from Roolee is sure to do the job!

Okay ladies now let’s get in formation! We are sure to represent this memorial day! I hope these memorial day outfits give you some inspiration to inspire others through fashion 🙂

Summer is coming quicker than we realize and of course you need a summer purse for each occasion. Here in Charlotte, summer is here in full force, gotta love the south! I remember when I was studying fashion merchandising, and I just loved when we would get into the handbags topic! I just love how they pull your outfit together. Based on what I’ve learned in college and the research I’ve done on handbags I’ve made a list of the best purses for each mood or occasion you have!

2. The Crossbody Purse

The Cameron Street Clarise crossbody from Kate Spade is perfect for on the go! I have a Kate Spade crossbody myself, and it’s perfect for when I go to day events in Charlotte. This is perfect for an event where you can’t wear a huge bag because it would be too much.

3. The Fun Evening Clutch

When it’s summer and you go out on the rooftops of the bars, it is important to have a clutch that screams summer! I for one, love to wear a solid colored dress and really cute clutch with all the summer colors. Find this fun strawberry clutch at Far Fetch.

4. The Festival Purse

With Coachella starting festival season off to a great start, there are many more music festivals to come! When going to a festival, a cross-body is key, but it has to be whimsical and be extremely on trend.

5. The Mini Backpack

New Chi

This is perfect for the college girl who wants to mix fashion with school efficiently for her summer classes. This trendy mini backpack is definitely fit for the occasion. New Chic has a fun holographic one, for my ladies who love early 2000s trends.

6. The Weekender Bag

Who doesn’t love a fun weekend away! Wouldn’t it be nice to have a really cute bag to pack everything with so you look chic to the event, while unpacking, packing and leaving?! I personally love weekender bags because I have a slight obsession with really cute luggage. Find this cutie at Madden Girl.

7. The Whimsical Summer Purse

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This summer purse is for those times where you really want to be silly and wear something that takes you back to the good ol days! I love this Loewe purse, because you can wear it when your looking to turn heads!

8. The Statement Summer Purse

This is your go-to purse for when you’re wearing a fun print and need a purse to make a statement and have your outfits back 😉 I’m know what you’re thinking, “Isn’t that Chloe purse like $1000 dollars?!!” Yes it is, but this is just for inspiration if you don’t want to spend that much! There are plenty of dupes out there that will be sure to complement your everyday outfits. The statement purse is the purse that you wear shopping, or out to brunch with your girls! Honestly any occasion wear it’s perfectly fine to wear a bigger purse is great for the statement purse.

Now you guys are ready to slay at ANY event! Let me know which one is your fav down below!

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Hey you! My name is Alaya Scott, I’m 24, a #girlboss, and I’m here to save the day! My blog is all about fashion and clever ways to use it! I’m a girly girl who is proud to be one! I want to share my fashion degree and knowledge with you so that you can slay your outfit for any occasion! Let’s be friends!
Want to know more, click my about me page!

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